NLC Pushes for New Minimum Wage as Labour Leaders Say ₦70,000 Can No Longer Sustain Nigerian Workers

Nigeria’s labour movement has renewed its call for a review of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage, warning that soaring inflation and the rising cost of living have made workers’ earnings increasingly inadequate.

The demand was made on Friday during the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit 2026 in Birnin Kebbi, where labour leaders, government officials, employers, civil society groups and judicial representatives gathered to mark 88 years of organised trade unionism in Nigeria.

Held under the theme, “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” the summit focused on the challenges confronting Nigerian workers, including declining purchasing power, job insecurity, workplace safety, discrimination and the protection of casual and non-traditional employees.

Representing Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero, the union’s Deputy President, Adewale Adeyanju, popularly known as Amba, said the current minimum wage no longer reflects the country’s economic realities.

“The current ₦70,000 minimum wage can no longer adequately respond to the realities confronting Nigerian workers, particularly with the rising cost of living,” Adeyanju said.

He explained that the existing wage structure had effectively run its course, making fresh negotiations with the Federal Government and state governments necessary. He urged authorities to approve a new wage that better reflects current economic conditions and enables workers to meet their basic needs.

Summit convener and Executive Director of Call a Lawyer, Ekpa Stanley, said the gathering was not only a celebration of Nigeria’s labour history but also an opportunity to assess the progress made over the past 88 years and chart a better future for workers.

Former NLC President Ayuba Wabba cautioned against viewing decent work solely through the lens of salary increases. He stressed that workers also deserve stronger legal protections, improved social security and meaningful engagement between labour unions, employers and government.

Also addressing participants, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris pledged that his administration would implement any new national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government. He also promised to advocate for better worker remuneration during deliberations at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

The summit concluded with calls for stricter enforcement of labour laws, safer workplaces, stronger protection against discrimination and greater support for workers outside the formal employment sector. Participants said the anniversary should serve as a reminder that decades of trade union struggles must translate into better living and working conditions for Nigerian workers.